Kidney Failure Is Declining Among U.S. Diabetics

While diabetes continues to grow more prevalent in the population, there is an area where things are improving. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of kidney failure in diabetes fell 33% from 2000 to 2014. This continues a trend that began in the 90’s and is good news for diabetics in general.

Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Renal Data System. The U.S. Renal Data System keeps track of the number of people who have treatment for end-stage renal disease (kidney failure). This disease usually requires dialysis or a transplant. During this time, the rate of diabetics diagnosed with kidney failure fell from 260 to 174 per 100,000 diabetics. Every state saw decreases in the rate of kidney failure among diabetics. Some states saw very dramatic decreases in kidney failure. For example, the rates in New Hampshire and Nebraska fell 77 and 62% respectively.

Much of this trend can be attributed doctors being more proactive about screening and preventative measures in recent decades. Increasing education about the link between diabetes and kidney failure also plays a role. However, some of this decline is because of more people having preemptive kidney transplants, thus never reaching the kidney failure stage. It’s also important to note that the report shows 1 in 3 diabetics have some form of kidney damage, but are largely unaware of it.

These new statistics are very promising and worth celebrating. However, there is still room for improvement. It remains important for doctors and diabetics to keep track of kidney health. If you, or someone you love need help managing diabetes, we can assist you. For homebound seniors, our staff can provide in-home, individualized coaching on how to best control diabetes.